If you are a fan of cycling gentle scenic routes, escaping to a French country idyll and discovering all there is about the delights of gourmet French food, then look no further.

French cycling tour specialist, Lot Cycling Holidays, is offering a new tour for 2010 ideal for Francophile foodies. Guests experience the food and wine of south west France, visiting local artisans, farms and vineyards en route and discovering how the signature ingredients of the region’s gastronomy are produced.

Visits include an ancient mill pressing pungent, golden walnut oil; a traditional wood-fired bakery baking the traditional crusty Lotoise ‘Croustillot’ and an artisan making creamy fresh Rocamadour goats cheese, as well as vineyards to taste the wonderful ‘black wine’ of AOC Cahors, produced from the original Malbec grape.

Additional local tastes to be sampled are tender Quercy lamb, truffles, chestnuts and wild mushrooms, golden saffron, strawberries, ripe and juicy melons and bursting purple figs. All reflect the traditional regional cuisine of Quercy and Perigord and all can be savoured and enjoyed alongside easy-paced cycling around the quiet lanes and back roads of the beautiful and unspoilt Lot and Dordogne.

Accommodation is at a converted 18th century barn set in the heart of the rolling countryside of the Bouriane, midway between the rivers Lot and Dordogne. Owners Aileen and John Despard run the business, having moved to France in 2006 after finding the perfect setting at Mas de Flory and spending the next year or so renovating the farmhouse and converting the barn.

The Gastronomy Cycling tours will take place on May 9th, June 20th and September 5th. Priced from £1,375 per person, to include seven days/ six nights accommodation on a full board (apart from one lunch) basis to gourmet standard, all costs related to food and wine visits as per the itinerary (except restaurant drinks); bike hire, routes and maps and full cycling support, plus transfers to and from Gourdan rail station or Bergerac airport, as required.

For bookings or to find out more, call Lot Cycling Holidays on 0033(0)565 327002 Email info@lotcyclingholidays.com or go to www.lotcyclingholidays.com

Cornwall’s leading beach sports venue has unveiled an adrenalin-charged calendar of events for 2010.

The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay have already confirmed six events, including a brand new kitesurfing race and the return of the award-winning Polo on the Beach.

The beach will also entertain some of the country’s best surfers, longboarders and surf boat rowers in a series of events taking place in the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

For Will Ashworth, Managing Director of The Hotel & Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay, the events are becoming an increasingly important aspect of life at the beach.

He said: “Each year our events seem to attract people to Watergate Bay in ever larger numbers – it’s great to be able to offer something different and we’re really proud to build on our history of introducing new sports to the region. Over the years we have held Europe’s first professional kitesurfing competition, and Polo on the Beach was the first event of its kind in the UK, so we’re really pleased to have to a new kitesurfing event for 2010.”

And first to hit the water is the new course racing competition run by the British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA) from 16 to 18 April. Up to 30 competitors will take part in each heat, which, similar to windsurfing races,sees kitesurfers navigate a course marked by buoys.

Westcountry kitesufers will be well-represented at the event: Cornishman Denzil Williams, from Par, is the current British course racing champion and no stranger to kitesurfing at Watergate Bay; while Exmouth’s Steph Bridge will be a strong favourite in the women’s event as the reigning world course racing champion.

National champions will be decided in the 38th English National Surfing Championships, held over the May Bank Holiday (1 to 3 May). The event is one of the biggest draws on the domestic surfing circuit, with plenty at stake: the winners will qualify for the national team travelling to Peru in October to compete in the World Surfing Games.

As the water temperature rises, Britain’s best longboard surfers will be showing the style and poise of their graceful art in the Extreme Academy BLU Midsummer Classic (26 and 27 June) – the third of five legs in the British Longboard Union series. British longboarding currently boasts several world-class competitors amongst its ranks, not least the 2009 BLU Open division champion Ben Skinner, who is expected to defend his title.

Crews from all over the country will be taking part in Round 3 of the UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series on Saturday 10 July. Not for the faint hearted, surfboat racing is a tough sport to take part in but much less demanding on the spectator who can enjoy watching the crews race out to sea through breaking waves, turn around a marker buoy, before trying to surf a wave in to the beach.

Then, as the first autumn swells begin to pound the beach, surfers will give way to ponies for the fourth edition of Polo on the Beach on 16 September.

Founded on the premise of bringing the exciting sport of arena polo to a new audience, Polo on the Beach has transcended its original remit to become an established highlight on the calendar, with the 2009 edition attracting over 3000 people to the beach and winning Silver in the “Best Event” category at the South West Tourism Awards.

Still free to attend, Polo on the Beach features an exhibition match between two teams of top international players, supported by sponsors Veuve Clicquot and Midas Construction.

The final event of the year will see British champions crowned in the deciding round of the British Stand-Up Paddlesurf Association (BSUPA) Championships. Held on the weekend of the 16 -17 October, the Extreme Academy BSUPA competition will showcase the skills of leading Briitsh exponents of this burgeoning sport which has its origins in the beaches of Hawaii.

Full details of all events at Watergate Bay can be found at www.watergatebay.co.uk

2010 events at the Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay

16 to 18 April
British Kite Surfing Association National Course Racing and Wave Jam
Kitesurf course racing comes to Watergate Bay for the first time.

1 to 3 May
English National Surfing Championships
The country’s best surfers compete for national team berths.

26 & 27 June
Extreme Academy BLU Midsummer Classic
The mid-way point of the British Longboard Union’s series of surfing competitions.

10 July
UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series: Round 3
Surfboat racing at one of the country’s best surfing beaches.

16 September
Polo on the Beach
Surf meets turf in a reprise of one of the most spectacular beach events ever held.

16 & 17 October
Extreme Academy BSUPA Championships
British stand-up paddlesurf champions decided.

The Mediterranean’s Newest Luxury Family Resort Is About To Open

Borgo Egnazia Hotel Villas Spa & Golf Resort, positioned to become one of the leading luxury family resorts in the Mediterranean, is proud to announce the opening of its eagerly anticipated OurSpace Children’s Club.

Opening in June 2010, Borgo Egnazia’s OurSpace Children’s Club offers a full range of childcare for children aged 8 months to 13 years. It is one of only a handful of Children’s Clubs in the world catering to the very young, as well as teenagers. The OurSpace specialists are friendly, multilingual, and most importantly, highly trained and qualified. For children under the age of two, there is one nanny for every two toddlers; ratios which ensure children are looked after every minute of the day, and with a maximum of just 45 children, personal attention is guaranteed.
With the family facilities opening just in time for the summer holidays, Borgo Egnazia will showcase an array of accommodation for all ages.

Divided into three areas, the Resort features a luxury 63 room hotel with a 2,000m² Raison d’Etre spa (perfect for Mum); an 18-hole Championship golf course (great for Dad); 28 three-bedroom private villas with pools and butler service; and the piece de resistance for families: a traditional Apulian Village, with 91 one and two suite townhomes; a beach club, Italian cooking school, and of course, designed to keep the children and parents happy, the OurSpace Children’s Club.

OurSpace activities, run by UK-trained specialists, take place in the indoor Children’s Club located next to the family-friendly swimming pool within the Village. There is an additional dedicated outdoor area, a walled, secret garden where a 300m² ‘lost city’ will entice and excite the little ones with zipwires, climbing frames and swinging bridges.

Activities include cooking lessons, arts and crafts, watersports, tennis and golf lessons; there are computer and console games for the older ones, and soft crèche areas for toddlers, whilst fun archaeological digs in the neighbouring ruins of Egnazia will ensure dressing up as a Greek goddess or Roman warrior has never been so true to life!

An Evening with Peter Scudamore and his panel of racing experts
Monday 8th March 2010 at 7pm

The ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’ evening at Castle House in Hereford, chaired by champion jockey and commentator Peter  Scudamore, has become something of a popular fixture in the pre-Cheltenham Festival lead-up. This year’s event is  on Monday 8th March at 7pm and is sponsored by Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky.

Peter Scudamore and fellow racing professionals will be talking and answering questions about the runners. riders  and races in this year’s Cheltenham National Hunt Festival. The panel includes the racing journalist and author  Carl Evans, trainer Lucinda Russell, Channel 4’s Tom Lee and the prize-winning jockeys Richard Johnson, Sam Thomas  and Tom Scudamore.

Here are some comments about what they are looking forward to at this year’s festival:

Peter Scudamore: “ Every year, Cheltenham sets the pulse racing. With the likes of Kauto Star v Denman and  Masterminded going there to defend his two-mile Champion Chase crown, this year’s Cheltenham Festival looks to be
exceptional.”

Lucinda Russell: “The Gold Cup could be one of the great races of all time and I am looking forward to the four  days’ racing.”

Carl Evans: “Cheltenham’s Festival is the highlight of my sporting year, so the opening race is like the first  present on Christmas Day – eagerly anticipated. This year it is the target for a brilliant young Irish horse,  Dunguib, who could become racing’s next great champion. I’m also looking forward to seeing Kauto Star win a third  Totesport Gold Cup, and I’ll have fingers crossed that tiny Chesnut Annie, who is trained at the head of a Welsh  mining valley by Beth Roberts, runs a big race in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase.”

Richard Johnson: “I am very much looking forward to riding Menora in the Supreme Novices Hurdle on the 1st day of  the festival. He is potentially one of the best Novice Hurdlers he has ridden.”

Sam Thomas: “I’m looking forward to riding Tell Massini as he’s been very impressive so far; a horse going to  Cheltenham with a real live chance is very exciting.”

Tom Scudamore: “I’m looking forward to having some good rides in the handicaps that I can tell everyone about at  Castle House on the night.”

Tom Lee: “The four days are going to be electric. Everyone is looking forward to the heavyweight decider between  stablemates Kauto Star and Denman, plus a truly mouth-watering renewal of the Champion Hurdle which I expect to be  played out between Go Native and Khyber Kim. If you are looking for a banker it just has to be Quevega in the  Mare’s Hurdle. See you there!

Tickets are £20 and the tapes are down at 7pm. Price includes a nip of Isle of Skye blended Scotch Whisky, a glass  of wine or Butty Bach and canapés. There is an optional buffet on the night for £15 which must be pre-booked. For  tickets contact 01432 356321.

UK’s number one domestic airline ensures David James and his team-mates get to the game

Flybe will welcome Premiership stars from crisis-club Portsmouth FC on board today as the team takes advantage of  the airline’s low fares to fly to Manchester for their six-pointer against Burnley at the weekend.

Following the news that Portsmouth has entered administration today, Flybe can confirm media reports that the club  bagged great value flights on its popular Southampton to Manchester service.

It’s further proof that, in these difficult times, companies that need to tighten their belts are choosing the  UK’s number one domestic airline to meet their travel needs.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “Flybe is pleased to welcome Pompey’s players on board today  as they travel to Turf Moor following the news of their administration. Whether you’re a Premiership star  preparing for the World Cup or a business traveller looking forward to shaking hands on that all important deal,  it’s pretty clear that Flybe can fly you to your destination with the minimum of fuss and for a great price.”

“Because of our unrivalled domestic network, we already fly thousands of football supporters throughout the UK to  watch their team and this news shows we’re now the airline of choice for the players too “

Mr Rutter continued: “Flybe have been deeply involved in football for a number of years, variously sponsoring  Exeter City, Birmingham City, Norwich City and Pompey’s local rivals Southampton FC, so we understand more than  most the that it’s a difficult time for the supporters. We hope that the savings the club make as a result of  flying with us will help the club survive for the benefit of the fans.”

Half-term may only just be over, but with seven night breaks in top locations across Europe from just £357 per party, there’s no reason not to get cracking and book an Easter treat for the whole family.

French Fancy– Seven nights in the Vendée, just £357 per party
With artisan chocolatiers and pretty villages adorned with festive decorations, France at Easter is a real treat, and Keycamp’s Port Bourgenay on the Vendée coast is an ideal base to soak up the atmosphere. This superb apartment resort is just 2km from the beach, and with a pool complex, free kids clubs and a golf course, there’s plenty to keep families entertained.

Seven nights from 6 April for a family of two adults and up to three children staying in an apartment at Port Bourgenay will cost £357, accommodation only. Ferry crossings or fly-drive packages can be arranged at a supplement.

La Dolce Vita – Seven nights at Lake Garda, just £378 per party
A lakeside setting, a five-pool waterpark with waterslides, discos, games and sports including basketball and beach volleyball, ensure Keycamp’s Bella Italia is the perfect spot for an Easter getaway. Out and about, families can also enjoy biking and walking in the nearby countryside, as well as daytrips to Verona and Gardaland Theme Park.

Seven nights from 3 April for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a Supernova mobile home with decking will cost £378, accommodation only. Ferry crossings or fly-drive packages can be arranged at a supplement.

Bon Bon – Seven nights in the Dordogne, just £364 per party
For those seeking some thrills on their Easter break, Keycamp’s St. Avit Loisirs offers an array of activities including basketball, crazy golf, cycling tennis and volleyball, and is also ideally situated for canoeing or caving in the famous rivers and gorges of the Dordogne.

Seven nights from 3 April for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a Supernova mobile home with decking will cost just £364, accommodation only.

To book, or for further information, call Keycamp on 0844 406 0319 or visit www.keycamp.co.uk.

Essential Italy are pleased to offer the following spring weekend offer at this fabulous hotel in Southern Sardinia.

OFFER: £285 for 2 nights half board 30 April – 02 May, 2010 (2 persons). A saving of £75.

Hotel Is Morus Relais – http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/is-morus.php

With the beach right on its doorstep and surrounded by pine woods, Is Morus Relais really takes some beating. Comfort and elegance go hand-in-hand to give a wonderful feeling of being in a beautiful ‘lived-in’ country house. The 59 rooms and suites are located both in the main building and in cottages or villas dotted around the lush gardens, most having balconies or private patios. The hotel has been tastefully furnished with wonderful ‘cotto’ floors and unique wooden furniture – much of which has been hand crafted exclusively for Is Morus.
Outdoor activities such as tennis, mini golf and mountain biking are offered as is golf at the 18 hole course (just a 10 minute ride away) and horse trekking at the Is Molus horse riding ranch. The gourmet restaurant offers superb cuisine on the romantic terraces overlooking the sea.

Location: Santa Margherita di Pula – near Cagliari, Cagliari airport 40kms

Offer: £285 for 2 nights half board in park-facing room 30 April – 02 May, 2010 (2 persons). A saving of £75.

While British and Irish skiers deliberated whether to hit the slopes this winter, the Alps have had the best snow for many seasons and prices have been keener than the sharpest ski blades. Here is Directski.com’s round-up of the top six late season ski bargains, in the resorts with the guaranteed late season snow.

Late skiing in Val d’Isere, France
If 300km of slopes, some of the best skiing in the world with the highest lift at 3,450m, doesn’t do it for you as a skier, nothing will. This `bring your own bling’ ski resort is immensely popular, has great skiing, lively nightlife and is the hub for posers worldwide. Its height and good snow record make it a safe bet for late season skiing, Directski.com make it affordable:-

Val d’Isere late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Jardins de la Balme, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:

GATWICK – NOW: £309 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £319 WAS: £549, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £309 WAS: £449, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR379 WAS: EUR559, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Chamonix, France
One of the easiest mainstream French resorts to get to, just over an hour’s drive from Geneva, Chamonix offers world class skiing and is built for experts, but beginners will find plenty of patient instruction in the ski school too. Less glitz, more of the serious stuff here, but full-on nightlife too. The snow will be sound right into April:-

Chamonix late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self-catering at the 2* Résidence Maeva Chamois Blanc – L’Aiguille, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:-

GATWICK – NOW: £284 WAS: £504, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £294 WAS: £524, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £284 WAS: £424, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR332 WAS: EUR512, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Mayrhofen, Austria
This pretty Austrian town in the heart of the vast Zillertal ski area also has one of Europe’s largest snowboarding parks, the Vans Penken Park, and over 150kms of pistes, for sheer skiing and boarding enjoyment. Nightlife is loud and lively when the skiers come back down the mountains at the end of the day. For year-round, yes, 365 days skiing, the free ski bus takes skiers up to the Hintertux Glacier further up the valley.

Mayrhofen late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Moigg Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:-

GATWICK – NOW: £319 WAS: £619, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £319 WAS: £599, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £419 WAS: £719, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR509 WAS:EUR689, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Kaprun, Austria
Kaprun is a pretty, Austrian snow-sure resort around an hour or so from Salzburg airport. Situated at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, its location ensures skiers can get plenty of the white stuff not only at the end of the main season, but year-round too. The resort is full of Austrian charm, less lively than some, but plenty of après ski action to be found.

Kaprun, late ski offer
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self-catering at the 3* Schonpflug Apartments, based on 5 sharing, including return flights and transfers.

GATWICK – NOW: £299 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £299 WAS: £509, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £299 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR419 WAS:EUR599, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Livigno, Italy (Belfast and Dublin departures only)
Located at 1815m with mountains banked on either side, Livigno has reliable snow, 57 slopes, over 150 kms of pistes, and, strangely, a duty free status. It’s a large and sprawling resort, cheaper prices attract plenty of younger skiers and it’s both great value and a good choice for late season skiing and boarding.

Livigno, late ski offer
DUBLIN
Directski.com 13th March, 7 nights self catering accommodation at the 3* Livigno Ski Apartments, based on 4 sharing including return flights from Dublin and transfers, was 539 euros, now 409 euros, saving 130 euros.

BELFAST
Directski.com 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Livigno Ski Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return Belfast flights and transfers, was £499, now £339, saving £160.

Late skiing in Pas de la Casa, Andorra
This lively Andorran resort has the country’s biggest ski area and highest lift-served terrain and now links to the resort of Soldeu too, resulting in 186 kms of pistes, rivalling some of Europe’s big names in skiing. Big investment in snow-making has ensured skiing right into April, the resort isn’t pretty, but its boxy concrete accommodation is so close to the lifts, who cares?

Pas de la Casa, late ski offer
Directski.com, 21st March, 7 nights self catering at the 2* Sandi IV Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers.
GATWICK – NOW: £279 WAS: £399, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £249 WAS: £429, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR 339 WAS:EUR 539, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205
BELFAST: (No departures on 21st March) : Directski.com has 7 nights self-catering accommodation in the Sandi IV apartments in Pas de la Casa for £469, £329, departing 14th March.

Grab some last minute snow once the half term crowds have dispersed. The Tyrolean village of Dobbiaco ticks both the cultural and quality skiing boxes thanks to its overlap of Italian and Austrian influences – from painted houses and onion-domed churches to Baroque castles and chic coffee bars – and the all-important presence of world-class ski trails, the most extensive network in the Dolomites.

Dobbiaco is a great place to enjoy guided cross-country skiing as well as independent skiing, with trails even starting at the hotel door. While ideal for beginners to the sport, the snow mecca has hosted the World Cup Cross Country Ski Championships four times making it equally suited those keen to finesse their skills.

The eight day “Cross Country Skiing in Dobbiaco” holiday starts from £899pp, departing 27 February 2010. The price includes four-star accommodation for seven nights with breakfasts and dinners, five two-hour cross country skiing lessons, weekly trail pass with free transport on the regular ski bus, ski equipment hire (skis, boots and poles) and airport transfers. With flights, prices start from £1,148 per person for travelling Gatwick to Innsbruck with Thomson Airways but can be arranged from most UK airports.
? Call Headwater on 01606 720199 or book online at www.headwater.com

Think Austria, think towering peaks, expansive skies and alpine meadows. Think hot sun, cool breeze and outdoor adventure. Think crashing waterfalls, serendipitous lakes and fresh spring water. Think glistening spires, mediaeval villages and the charms of an ancient Europe.

Think again: modern day Austria has all this and much, much more, it is a land of hidden treasures. Think wellbeing, think eco-chic, think nature by design. Think cutting edge contemporary architecture, think modern art meets the mountains, think spectacular cuisine. Think spas, think sports, and, above all, think about having the time and space to let your spirits soar.

For summer 2010, Austria’s focus is on providing a wide range of new experiences which lead to self-fulfilment. An inspiring holiday is achieved by staying active, sharing outdoor experiences, meeting and interacting with locals- simply experiencing the Austrian way of life.

Austria is the perfect combination of culture, nature and cuisine. Discover Austria’s Hidden Treasures. If you are interested in a press trip, it would be a pleasure for me to propose a story idea to suit.